Share this Page

Lennon: Everton was the only club for me

Aaron Lennon: Hopes playing regularly will help him represent England again

Aaron Lennon says he didn’t entertain any offer aside from Everton this summer and hopes his permanent move will help him win back an England place.

With Euro 2016 taking place in France next summer the 28-year-old intends to make up for lost time and force his way into the international reckoning after more than two-and-a-half years in the wilderness.

“I do want to get back into the England set-up as I’ve been out of it for a while now. I love playing for England and I’ve missed it,” he said.

“There are a lot of England players here (at Everton) so hopefully the manager will be coming to watch a lot and that gives me a better chance to show what I can do if I am playing.

“I just want to get back to playing the way I know I can and get a run of games.

“You need a run of games to get up to form and that is my aim.

“Spurs have loads of players, a massive squad, and some players go for long periods of time without playing.

“I think any footballer will tell you when they are not playing it is not enjoyable.

“If you are not playing sometimes it is best to move on. That was the case for me and it was time for me to move.”

After stagnating at Tottenham, Lennon was offered the chance of a loan at Everton in January and his short spell at Goodison Park made such an impression on him he made his mind up there was only one place he wanted to move to when the transfer window re-opened.

However, it was not until the last few moments on deadline day – Everton were granted a couple of extra hours to complete the deal – that his ambition was realised.

It was a bold move holding out for the Toffees when he had chances to go elsewhere but he hopes it will pay off.

“I made it clear this was the one I wanted – from my loan spell early on I knew this was the club that I wanted to be at,” he added.

“There were other clubs interested but to be honest I didn’t really even entertain it. I just sat there hoping this deal would go through, and thankfully it did.

“I didn’t hear much until the end of the window and then I pretty much knew it was close and obviously it went down to the wire.

“When it got to late afternoon you start thinking ‘Is there time for this to go through?’ but there are no worries now.

“This is the one I wanted and I am looking for a successful period here for a long time.

“The quality and potential this team has I don’t see why it can’t go to the very top.